Can you eat Monarda Citriodora?
Although its leaves are edible, it’s sometimes referred to as ‘lemon mint’ and it’s in the mint family Lamiaceae, Monarda citrodora is not a true mint.
Is Monarda Citriodora invasive?
Although they are new cultivars, keep in mind, they all still have a tendency to be invasive. Some newer varieties of monarda possessing a degree of mildew resistance are the following: *JACOB CLINE – Large, scarlet-red, two to three inch tubular flowers in dense terminal whorls.
Is lemon bergamot Hardy?
Bergamot or Bee Balm as they are also known are a lovely addition to the border and Lemon Bergamot is no exception. This erect hardy perennial has green oval toothed leaves, that are highly scented and will form a lovely bush in mid summer growing up to a height of 90cm.
Is bergamot plant poisonous?
Common names for bee balm are bergamot, horsemint, and Oswego tea. Bee balm is not poisonous for humans. In fact, eating the leaves will not harm a cat, dog or other animals in any way. Despite not being poisonous to animals, eating parts of any plant can cause digestive upset to an animal.
What is the difference between lemon balm and lemon mint?
While lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and lemon mint (Monarda citriodora) are both members of the extensive mint family (Lamiaceae), they have distinct differences. In the United States, lemon balm is a perennial (USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 7), while lemon mint is an annual.
Why is Monarda called bergamot?
Bergamot gets its name from the similarity it has in aroma to the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). Oil of bergamot comes from the bergamot orange and is used to flavor Earl Grey tea.
Is wild bergamot poisonous?
The toxicological effects of thymol include gastric pain, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and external rashes, although there have been no reports of toxic ingest plants or extracts of the Monarda species (11.1-136, 14.1-35). Wild bergamot, Monarda fistulosa L., is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States.
Is Bergamot a Horsemint?
Also commonly known as bee balm or wild bergamot, horsemint is in the same family as oswego tea of the July 4 “red, white and blue” wildflower diary. Several photos of horsemint are after the jump.
How do I grow Monarda Citriodora?
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers limestone-rich, rocky or sandy soils, but tolerates other soils. Prefers full sun. Plant seed in fall or early spring.
What is lemon bergamot good for?
Medicinal Uses The essential oil in lemon bergamot is citronella and it is also rich in phenolic monoterpenes and thymol. This provides the plant with good anti-oxidant and antibacterial properties. It has been used medicinally for coughs, colds, fevers and respiratory ailments.
Can you eat lemon bergamot?
If you’ve ever had Earl Grey tea, then you’ve tasted the flavor of bergamot. A blend of the sour orange and lemon (or citron) plant, bergamot produces a fruit that looks like a round lemon. Although generally too sour to eat on its own, it’s been part of the Mediterranean diet since the early 18th century.